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Parents in the dark over cyberbullying

Twice as many girls as boys are being bullied online according to a new study – but both sexes are being equally affected by cybercrime and/or negative online experiences.

The Norton Report: Family Edition says 57% - or two in every five - Kiwi children have been harmed by cybercrime and/or a negative online situation during 2012-2013.

The report, which was released today to coincide with the launch of Connect Smart Week, a new Government-led initiative to promote better digitial security, says 57% of New Zealand children who were harmed by cybercrime and/or a negative online situation, admitted hiding what they do online from adults.

More than 350 New Zealanders – 148 adults and 203 children – were surveyed for the report.

While girls experience more bullying – at 17% compared to 8% for boys – cybercrime in general didn't discriminate, with a fairly even split between girls and boys affected at 44% and 41% respectively.

“As social media and the online world continues to infiltrate our lives and that of young people, cyberbullying remains a very real online danger due to the damaging effect on people's mental health,” says Brenton Smith, Symantec vice president and managing director, Pacific region.

He's urging parents to provide confidence to their children to share their bad online experiences with them or another adult.

“Our current research indicated that Kiwi parents are in the dark about cyberbullying, with many unaware of whether their child is being harmed by cyberbullying or harming others, and therefore unable to provide necessary support.”

While 67% of children surveyed said they spoke to their parents about their negative online experience, only 22% stayed away from where they were bullied online.

“It is clear more education is needed to enable children to make informed decisions about seeking help when dealing with cyberbullies,” Smith says.